Abstract: A touch system includes a reference frame, and at least two cameras having fields of view that overlap within the reference frame. The position of an object relative to the reference frame is determined from captured images of the object based on triangulation. The fields of view of the at least two cameras are rotated with respect to the coordinate system of the reference frame to define offset angles.

Abstract: A method of ordering visual objects presented on a display includes comparing visual objects to be placed in an overlapping condition and determining from the comparison the order in which the visual objects are to be placed. The visual objects are re-ordered and placed in the overlapping condition in accordance with the determination. Methods of creating connecting links joining source and destination visual objects as well as overlapping object and object-connecting tools are also provided.

Abstract: A passive touch system includes a passive touch surface and at least two cameras associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and have overlapping fields of view. A processor receives and processes images acquired by the at least two cameras to detect the existence of a pointer therein and to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.

Abstract: A high security identification card includes an on-board memory for stored biometric data and an on-board sensor for capturing live biometric data. An on-board processor on the card performs a matching operation to verify that the captured biometric data matches the locally stored biometric data. Only if there is a positive match is any data transmitted from the card for additional verification and/or further processing. Preferably, the card is ISO SmartCard compatible. In one embodiment, the ISO SmartCard functions as a firewall for protecting the security processor used for storing and processing the protected biometric data from malicious external attack via the ISO SmartCard interface. In another embodiment, the security processor is inserted between the ISO SmartCard Interface and an unmodified ISO SmartCard processor and blocks any external communications until the user's fingerprint has been matched with a previously registered fingerprint.

Abstract: An interactive display system comprising a touch sensitive display surface for sensing pressure applied thereto and in response generating control signals indicating locations of the applied pressure, a personal computer for receiving the control signals and in response generating graph images, and an LCD panel in combination with an overhead projector for receiving and projecting the graphic images onto the touch sensitive display surface at the indicated locations. The LCD panel and overhead projector may be provided an an integral unit.

Abstract: An electronic writeboard for communicating with a computer including applications software and running an active application comprises a touch sensitive panel on which the screen image output of the computer is displayed. The touch sensitive panel is responsive to user contact and generates events. A keyboard window is displayed on the touch sensitive panel and includes a keyboard having a plurality of user selectable keys. A driver receives the events and senses user contact on the touch sensitive panel within the keyboard window and generates messages in response thereto. A controller executing a keyboard application receives the messages. The keyboard application processes the messages to provide data to the active application running on the computer corresponding to keys of the keyboard contacted by the user.

Abstract: A touch system includes a touch panel having a touch surface and a projector presenting images onto the touch surface. A computer executing an applications program is coupled to the touch panel and the projector. The computer is responsive to contact output generated by the touch panel in response to proximity of a pointer to the touch surface and updates image data conveyed to the projector so that images presented on the touch surface reflect pointer activity. The computer executes a gesture connector recognition routine. The gesture connector recognition routine performs recognition to convert a freehand connector on the touch surface into a computer-generated connector approximating the freehand connector.

Abstract: An overhead projection system includes an overhead projector support assembly extending outwardly from a generally vertical support surface in a generally horizontal disposition. A display screen having a display surface is mounted on the support surface beneath the projector support assembly. A projector is mounted on the projector support assembly and is aimed to project images onto the display surface of the display screen. Preferably, the projector support assembly includes a governor in the form of a damper and spring arrangement to control downward pivotal movement of the projector support assembly when a load is placed on the projector support assembly and to return the projector support assembly to its generally horizontal disposition when the load is removed.

Abstract: An interactive display system comprising a touch sensitive display surface for sensing pressure applied thereto and in response generating control signals indicating locations of the applied pressure, a personal computer for receiving the control signals and in response generating graph images, and an LCD panel in combination with an overhead projector for receiving and projecting the graphic images onto the touch sensitive display surface at the indicated locations. The LCD panel and overhead projector may be provided an an integral unit.

Abstract: A method for erasing writing on an electronic writeboard includes the steps of describing an eraser as a mask and monitoring movement of the eraser over the electronic writeboard. When the mask overlaps with writing on the electronic writeboard, erasing of the writing within the mask is performed. The shape of the mask is adjusted to compensate for the speed at which the eraser is moved over the electronic writeboard.

Abstract: A method for editing objects representing writing on an electronic writeboard comprises the steps of: creating an object representing writing on the electronic writeboard; determining if the created object overlies an existing object by at least a threshold amount; and merging the created and existing objects to create a new object if the created object overlies the existing object by at least the threshold amount. An editor for editing objects and an interactive display system are also provided.

Abstract: A touch sensitive display panel comprises a noisy display panel having a display screen on which images are displayed. An electronic writeboard is provided on the noisy display panel and overlies the display screen. Images displayed on the display screen are visible through the electronic writeboard. The electronic writeboard detects user input and provides output to alter displayed images. The electronic writeboard includes means to compensate for noise generated by the noisy display panel.

Abstract: An interactive display system comprising a touch sensitive display surface for sensing pressure applied thereto and in response generating control signals indicating locations of the applied pressure, a personal computer for receiving the control signals and in response generating graph images, and an LCD panel in combination with an overhead projector for receiving and projecting the graphic images onto the touch sensitive display surface at the indicated locations. The LCD panel and overhead projector may be provided an an integral unit.

Abstract: A multi-media conferencing system (10) that links desirable conferencing components into an adaptable and functional whole through innovative system approaches to system level controls. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-media conferencing system (10) that integrates equipment to present information in the most desirable way as determined by the presenter and allows for system power to be turned on and off by a single system button power button (48) and by a system computer (30).

Abstract: A process for servicing a live pipeline does not require the preexistence of isolation valves or access components or the use of special enclosures. No special components remain in the serviced pipeline. The invention is particularly useful for servicing hospital medical gas distribution pipelines or other pipelines having restrictions on components, connections, and contamination.

Abstract: An interactive display system comprising a touch sensitive display surface for sensing pressure applied thereto and in response generating control signals indicating locations of the applied pressure, a personal computer for receiving the control signals and in response generating graph images, and an LCD panel in combination with an overhead projector for receiving and projecting the graphic images onto the touch sensitive display surface at the indicated locations. The LCD panel and overhead projector may be provided an an integral unit.